First week in Redding, California

Rollercoaster

Last few days were a rollercoaster.

I stepped into this rollercoaster Monday morning. I hugged my lovely parents and brother for the last time, wiped the tears of my face and stepped into my rollercoaster cart. The first part of the rollercoaster was already crazy. In 25 hours we travelled 14000 kilometers in 3 flights. Dragging your heavy bags all over the place, waiting for hours, going through security 10 times, looking out of our plane window at the beautiful sunset and lights of the cities, interviews at Customs, running through San Francisco Airport to catch your last flight (which we almost missed because our second flight had a delay): traveling is stressful, fun and exhausting.

So there we were. Sitting on bench at the very small airport of Redding. Three lonely roadtrippers with 6 bags around us and a guitar on Roos’ lap.. We’re singing songs like “So could you put your bag on the floor. Judie do your duty. We’re heading to Redding.” Just one look at my face would tell you that I’m exhausted and excited. Exhausted because I have hardly slept for the last 32 hours. Excited because we finally arrived in our new hometown. Adventure is in the air. We see a car coming, and there is Kaitie, our roommate. We share some hugs and we already know that we’re going to love her. When we had put all of our baggage in the car (except for my foot, which I stuck out of the car window. No joke.) we drove to our new home. And wow, it looked even more beautiful than on the pictures. Huge L-shaped couch, big kitchen, light sleeping room: we felt so lucky. After some getting-to-know-each-other-talks, we dived into our beds for our first night in this roller coaster called ‘The Bethel-adventure.’

The crazy rollercoaster went on the rest of the week. Waking up early, meeting lots of new people, learning the American culture and learning so many new things. Sometimes it feels like I’m walking in a movie, everything is so American! J We’re eating pizza, having movie nights, driving through Redding with loud music and open windows and we’re going to Starbucks, I think all the stereotypes I’ve had about America are true so far. Our apartment begins to feel like home and I love it that our neighbors and other people are just walking in and take a seat. Everybody is feels welcome, because everybody is welcome.

I haven't laughed so hard, danced so crazy, sang so loud, met so many new people and said I love you so many times in the last months as I did in this week. Everybody loves music, so we often end up singing and dancing and playing the guitar when we hang out with people. I love the quality time with my roommates and neighbors, I really want to discover their hearts and share mine.

We walked to our school Wednesday, it was a long, hot, but beautiful walk. We’ve met a lot of Bethel-students on our way, somehow people recognize each other as Bethel students. Partly because of the accents of the international students and partly because of the ‘Jesus-eyes’ and the joy on the faces of the people who go to Bethel. Redding is flooded with Bethel-people, it’s like having a huge family meeting in one town. Everybody is so nice and always willing to help or to give you a ride. No offence, but comparing to the people in Holland Americans are like angels.

Friday we went to the lake, it was so breathtaking beautiful. Normally I go on a holiday to see beautiful nature like this, but I live here now for 9 months! Forgetting my camera and art book was my biggest mistake of that day, there is so much beauty everywhere that I want to capture and absorb it. The rollercoaster slowed down for a second when I was reading Bill Johnson’s book on a rock in the sun, peaceful sounds around me and cool clear water of the lake before me.

Our first service at Bethel Church was at Friday night. I can’t believe this is our new home church now! Bethel Church is full of Spirit-filled people in a place where Gods presence is welcome anytime and anyhow, that just explodes in beautiful colors of love. That’s the only way I can explain it.

I also have some difficult moments, when I really have trouble to get used to all the new things. The rollercoaster doesn’t stop and isn’t slowing down. Sometimes the speed just dazzles me. Four days ago I was with my family, peacefully spending the weekend at home. Right now, I’m living on my own, in an apartment in Redding with 3 other girls in a country with different habits, language and culture. It’s so good, but so different. I love my roommates and they already feel like family. But sometimes I have to make sure that I’ll just be me, and I’ll stay close to myself.

I need some time alone to process all those new things, so I have the strength to hold on to the things that make me Eline. When I forget to take the time to capture moments and spend time with my God, I can easily forget who I am and what I love. Luckily I can lean on the strong shoulders of Wisdom. In this adventurous rollercoaster, Jesus is my Seatbelt and His words are my security. So when the rollercoaster is about to dive deep and I’m scared of falling out, I just focus on my Seatbelt. Because I know it will hold me in the right place, I don’t have to be scared, I can just be excited. And when I’m sure He won’t let me go and this rollercoaster is going the right way, I can throw my hands in the air and scream from the top of my longs “I AM ALIVE!” 

I can enjoy the ride with Him by my side.